Using incentives for training participation.

Abstract

This column describes how public partners can help incentivize participation in training. Specifically, a state mental health agency and its implementation center applied financial and nonfinancial incentives to encourage participation in training and implementation supports. Although training is not sufficient to change practice, it is a necessary first step in implementing evidence-based treatments. Finding ways to incentivize participation, particularly strategies with minimal resource involvement, is important for the psychiatric rehabilitation workforce and cash-strapped public systems. This description draws from published material and experiences from New York State. Engaging public partners to incentivize training can significantly increase participation in training. Incentive programs exist that do not require additional funding-an important consideration, given the fiscal climate for most public payers.